FLIR Breach PTQ136 Multi-Purpose Monocular Review

FLIR, which describes itself as the world’s sixth sense, has grown to become the globe’s largest thermal imaging company. Started in 1978, with a vision to boost both perception and awareness, FLIR designs and market some of the most high-end security systems for daily life.

The company’s advanced threat detection systems, crime diagnostic devices, visible light imaging components, and video analytics are all built with one purpose: safety.

In fact, FLIRS’s thermal imagers have helped a great deal in evidence collection, search and rescue missions, high-risk SWAT operations, hunting, as well as accident investigation.

The FLIR Breach PTQ136, a multipurpose monocular, is one such imager that makes day and night tracking of objects possible. This monocular was primarily built for law enforcement, but it can also be used as a home security unit or a device for day as well as nighttime hunting.

Thermal Imaging Concept

All the bad guys out there have one thing in common: they use darkness to haunt and stalk victims and conceal crimes. Years before the founding of thermal imaging devices, these rogues would easily make away with just about anything.

However, the age of the new thermal optics has completely changed everything. In essence, a practical device like the FLIR Beach PTQ136 has become quite a big deal, as it helps people to see in total darkness, thus becoming aware of possible danger before anything even happens.

But why is the FLIR PTQ136 such a big deal? What makes it such a significant device?

FLIR Breach PTQ136 Review

Featuring 12um Boson core, compact in design and weighing just 7 ounces, the FLIR PTQ136 is the most lightweight thermal image spotter in Flir’s thermal imaging lineup. Since it is just 210 grams in total weight, you can carry it in your pocket or hold it on your hand as a thermal spotter.

If you check on the right side of the PTQ136, you will see a short mounting rail, which works well with different adapters. You can use this rail to attach the image spotter on a firearm, or mount it on a helmet and never have to worry about additional weight to your protective gear.

There is a CR-123A battery compartment on the top of the unit. The battery life is quite decent, so you will get quite a number of hours of runtime before the battery dies.

The PTQ136’s durable polymer body is impact-resistant, so it can stand a drop or two, maybe even more, and still work just fine. And because it is waterproof (rated IPX7), it makes a perfect all-season image sensor at a reasonable price.

The working concept of Flir Breach PTQ136 is quite simple:

By passively detecting the thermal signature of an object the PTQ1346 makes it easy for you to detect the presence of any warm object, including wildlife, suspects, and intruders in total darkness. This creates immediate nighttime awareness, making it easy for you to act fast before the event of an attack or track elusive animals.

The Boson VOx microbolometer, which features long-wave infrared sensitivity, a thermal resolution of 320 by 256 pixels, and a 60Hz refresh rate, provides accurate and sharp thermal vision. This kind of thermal imaging lets you see through light foliage, smoke, and fog.

This device has a wide winged rubber eyecup that does two things: to prevent leakage of light and to ensure a more comfortable contact between the image detector and your face.

The FLIR PTQ136’s built-in zoom function is another great feature. It lets you bring objects up in close focus for a better view on the 1280 x 960 High Definition Display, so you never miss any situation in the battlefield, a crime scene, or while out hunting.

Video Recording

The PTQ136 scores better on vision than its competition. In fact, the 12um internal core plus the HD display give you the best image quality. Since the images displayed are clear, accurate detection and proper classification of objects day and night become quite easy.

When it comes to video recording, it is important to note that FLIR PTQ136 can record video as well as still images. The internal storage can accommodate up to 1,000 images without video included. If you decide to record video instead, the internal storage will capture up to 2.5 hours of video.

It is possible to store both videos and images on the device’s storage, but the storage may be limited. As a rule of thumb, from a user’s point of view, it is best to take either photos or videos.

FAQ:

How good are the pictures displayed?

The PTQ136 scores quite well on image quality. Although it doesn’t feature the sharpest sensor or have the widest FOV, the quality of the objects displayed on the HD display is quite good.

Can I transfer the video to an external device?

Yes, the FLIR Breach PTQ136 Multipurpose Monocular allows you to watch the video content on an external device like personal computer or an iPad. To do this, plugin your device, and then open an app that can play the videos. You won’t be able to see a preview of the videos or the images though. You can also transfer the images or videos recorded to an external device of your choice.

What’s the detection range of this monocular?

One thing that you need to keep in mind before buying is that it is was not designed for long range use. As such, the realistic detection range is quite small. In practice, the range is about 200 yards for human sized object and about 100 yards for a rabbit sized object.

What other features make this unit to stand out?

Additional features of this monocular include an advance onboard recording and the seven color palettes you can choose from. These coupled with its super compact size make this a unique thermal monocular.

Final Thoughts:

The FLIR Breach does not have all the features and capabilities of some higher end Pulsar and Trijicon monoculars but at this price point there is no other monocular that is this small with these features. The FLIR Breach is a great first thermal monocular. It is also well suited for law enforcement or hunters who want to carry the smallest thermal monocular possible yet still have clear images and superior detection in total darkness.

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